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Last updated on Monday, March 26, 2012
(BLOOMFIELD) - The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and businesses to participate in a decorating contest, which could potentially put $20,000 towards the town’s Bloomfield Community Revitalization project.
Sabrina Westfall of the Greene County Daily World reports that as a part of the Indianapolis 500's "Back Home Again in Indiana" Community Outreach Program, communities are encouraged to decorate their city or town's center point to reflect the history of the Indy 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"The Bloomfield Art Club has developed more that 100 designs, and is willing to paint (business) windows, beginning Spring Break - the week of March 26," committee chairperson Melinda Hendrix explained.
If anyone would like help decorating their businesses, they can contact Deb Johnson at djohnson@bsd.k12.in.us or (812) 699-0572.
The deadline to submit an entry form is April 1. In order to register, send your name and address to pixbloomfield@gmail.com or to Rachael Wiseman, 3272 E. Scotland Road, Bloomfield. The contest is open to residential and commercial categories.
Local judging will take place April 14, at which time a video will be made in order to submit a two to three minute presentation of decorations and activities to be submitted online to the Indy 500 contest.
State judging will take place May 7.
"Entrants will receive two Qualification Day tickets and winners of each category will receive two Race Day tickets," Hendrix said.
The Bloomfield Art Club will also be displaying a painting on the fence at the Bloomfield Park, depicting the different body styles of Indy 500 cars from 1911 to present.
In addition to the Bloomfield Psi Iota Xi and Chamber sponsored decorating contest, the Chamber has a number of events planned for the day of judging.
The Bloomfield 5.00 will feature a 5K run, 5K competitive walk and a non-competitive fun walk, starting at the Bloomfield Public Library.
The registration form is available on the event's Facebook page, Bloomfield, Indiana: Indy 500 Celebration, or by contacting Joshua Riggins at jgr@farmersandmechanicsfederal.com.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 9:30 a.m. Awards will be distributed immediately following the race.
If anyone would like to showcase their memorabilia or have ties to the Indy 500, contact Hendrix at 384-8126.
"Back Home Again in Bloomfield" events will also include the crowning of a local young lady in the Bloomfield Junior Indy 500 Festival Princess contest.
The competition is open to all Greene County girls between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Candidates must submit a character reference, be involved in a school activity, and be able to attend all event activities.
Ten princesses will be selected based on personal projection, motivation and commitment. They must exhibit exceptional poise and appearance, strong desire to serve others, maturity and responsibility.
Entry forms may be picked up at Homestead Realty in South Shopping Center, at Yer Turn Studio on North Washington Street, or by contacting Kay Allen at 384-4656.
The deadline to turn in an application, a photo, character reference and a school transcript is April 2. Ten princesses will be selected April 10 by a panel of independent judges, with the queen crowning April 13 in the Bloomfield School cafeteria.
Bloomfield Elementary School students will be involved in activities during their Track and Field Day on April 26. Celebrations will include an Indy 500 theme and a balloon release.
The town awarded top prize will receive $20,000, with second and third places receiving $2,500 each.
"Bloomfield is hoping to win the $20,000 prize. If so, we plan to use $13,000 to sponsor a summer-long revitalization program for downtown Bloomfield in conjunction with a team from Ball State University's Architecture Program," Hendrix explained.
The project team would work with residents, business leaders and stakeholders to create a "Comprehensive Redevelopment Initiative" for the downtown and surrounding areas.
"The remainder of the money would go towards further establishing Bloomfield Community Revitalization's Main Street Program, which aims to enhance the downtown area, strengthen existing businesses and agencies, entice new businesses to Bloomfield, and create a more comprehensive and inviting atmosphere for residents," Hendrix said.
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